Edmonds EA teacher honored at NEA gala
Gail Yampol, a veteran Kindergarten teacher from Brier Elementary School in the Edmonds School District, was recognized at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in Washington, D.C. this past week. Yampol, Washington state’s winner of the 2016 NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, was honored at the event attended by more than 850 national education leaders and supporters.
“Gail gives her heart, soul and unrelenting energy to her students, school and Association,” said Edmonds Education Association President Andi Nofziger. “I can think of no one better qualified for this award.”
As a teacher, Yampol strives to meet the different needs and styles of her students with creative lessons that include movement, questioning, and play. She customizes literacy and math programs for each of her students, providing highly individualized instruction.
Yampol’s success with students is perhaps most keenly demonstrated by the fact that graduating seniors are known to name her as their favorite teacher.
Yampol understands the importance of collaboration in student success and actively engages parents, grandparents and community members in her classroom as volunteers. The veteran educator mentors new and student teachers, serves on her district’s Kindergarten Advisory team, and has encouraged fellow educators to join in union activities, having served as a building representative for Edmonds EA.
Yampol was nominated and selected for the Award for Teaching Excellence based upon her excellence in five areas: professional practice, advocacy for the teaching profession, community engagement, professional development and attention to diversity.
Yampol now has the opportunity to participate in the NEA Foundation’s Global Learning Fellowship. This 10-month professional development experience focuses on global learning and culminates in a 10-day field study in Peru this June.
Want to nominate a teacher for this award?
There is a two-step process, including both a nomination letter and nominee statement. Deadline is Friday, March 18, 5 pm. Learn more.
Questions?
Email Maren Johnson, Maren.Johnson@WashingtonEA.org, WEA Center for Education Quality.
